Rhode Island Monthly Breast Health 2013 : Page 9

SPE CIAL AD VER TISING SE C TION The Westerly Airport association presents The “D” Word » continued from page 114 to benefit the Westerly Airport Association’s Humphrey J. Amedeo, Jr. Memorial Aviation Scholarship Fund featuring live music by: • Johnny and the East Coast Rockers • Jennifer Holden (Piano) • Eden Casteel (Vocalist) Come swing with us! Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill, Rhode Island 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Hors D’oeuvres, Cash Bar, Silent Auction Tickets $100 per person Vintage Attire Optional (but encouraged) Friday, October 18, 2013 Ocean House 401.348.0007 westerlyairportfriends.org for the patient. They o er families sup-port during their loved one’s inal journey “because people go through anticipa-tory grief and wonder what life is going to be like once the person is gone,” Kizirian says. Of course the anticipation of what it will be like and the feelings that actually do emerge after the loved one dies are often two very di erent things. She says hospice also o ers grief counseling to family members after their loved one has passed. People go to great lengths to avoid talking about death and feel they are protecting their loved ones by avoiding the subject. In fact, some family members believe it is better that the patient doesn’t know that the nurse or social worker who is there to help them is actually a hospice employee. Patients do the same to their family members in an effort to save them from the emotional weight of their inevitable fate for as long as possible. That is why it is so important to have advanced directives, like a living will, which lets your loved ones know your wishes and takes the burden o them to make decisions. Kizirian says it’s important to draw up these directives and plan for inal services while you are healthy. It is also important to discuss these issues with family members who are emotionally able to carry out your desires. If a loved one entering hospice doesn’t have a living will, Kizirian encour-ages family members to make inal arrangements sooner rather than later. “As our loved ones decline, the stress and anxiety escalate and it is actually easier to make plans while the person The “D” Word continued on page 124 » “The doctors at Rhode Island Medical Imaging literally saved my life.” ~Lynn World class medical imaging …. focusing on me. Lynn was persistent in identifying the source of her symptoms. She was glad that her doctor recommended she go to Rhode Island Medical Imaging for her diagnostic imaging exams as RIMI quickly diagnosed her bladder cancer in its early stages – when it is the most treatable. You have a choice in your imaging provider. Ask your doctor to send you to the premier radiology group in Rhode Island. www .rimirad.com 120 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY 401.432.2400 l OCTOBER 2013